JP4746247B2 - Self-sealing filter connection and gas mask and filter assembly incorporating it - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Related Applications]
This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. S.N.60 / 198,012 filed Apr. 18, 2000.
[0002]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a self-sealing filter connection. The invention, in one of its aspects, relates to a self-sealing filter connection for a filter assembly. In another of its aspects, the present invention relates to a gas mask with a removable filtration cartridge. The invention, in another aspect thereof, relates to a gas mask with a self-sealing inlet valve that is partially controlled by a removable filtration cartridge. In another aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a gas mask provided with a multi-stage filtration cartridge. In another of its aspects, the present invention relates to a gas mask with a twist-and-lock removable filter cartridge.
[0003]
Explanation of related technology
US Pat. No. 5,660,173 to Newton, issued August 26, 1997, discloses a filter can comprising three filter layers. The first layer is a particulate filter, preferably made from glass fiber paper, followed by a carbon bed. The inner surface of the can wall is recessed to maintain sizing of the voids in the floor adjacent to the can wall.
[0004]
U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,346 to Michel et al. Discloses a bayonet-type respiratory accessory for a respiratory tract in a gas mask. The suction port includes a suction valve formed of an elastic membrane or a flap, and a chemical cartridge is attached by a bayonet type mount. The drug cartridge is further fitted with a mechanical filter, such as a filter holder that contains a felted fibrous disk.
[0005]
As gas masks are used in contaminated environments, filter cans are depleted in their ability to effectively filter harmful substances. These materials can include, but are not limited to, droplets, solid and liquid aerosols, gases, and particulate materials. Mask wearers often cannot leave the contaminated area, so the filter must be changed while the wearer remains in the contaminated area. This creates the problem of reliably preventing contaminants from entering the mask when removing the filter. This old problem has been solved as a procedure in the form of a can change training. In a typical gas mask with a removable filter can, a suction valve is provided that provides a one-way flow that opens during inspiration, closes during exhalation, and prevents hot moisture containing air from being exhaled through the filter. A filter can is attached to the containing filter mount. It is important that the intake valve does not restrict the air flow path so as to further load the wearer. Thus, although the suction valve has a low open pressure, if the wearer who removed the filter can inhales inadvertently, it can have disastrous consequences.
[0006]
A self-sealing mechanism at the inlet that prevents inadvertent inhalation when the can is removed, does not strain the inhalation when the can is in place, and does not interfere with the necessary functions to prevent exhalation through the filter It would be advantageous to provide.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The gas mask of the present invention comprises a filter can mount for quick connection and mounting, including an inlet for mounting a gas filter can. A self-sealing valve is attached to the inlet that seals the inlet when the gas filter can is removed from the can mount and opens the inlet when the gas filter can is attached to the can mount. The filter can includes a central cavity for receiving the can mount and a protrusion in the cavity for opening a self-sealing valve when the can is attached to the can mount.
[0008]
In one embodiment, the self-sealing valve includes an elastomeric diaphragm attached to the inlet, includes a hinge and a skirt, the skirt having a sealing surface that contacts the biased valve seat. The filter can protrusion acts on the hinge when the can is attached to the can mount and is adapted to rotate the skirt away from the sealing surface.
[0009]
Further, according to the present invention, the can comprises a radial flow arrangement in which particulate filtration media and carbon filtration media are stacked, the filtration media being separated by a central dividing wall, the dividing wall radializing the air flow. On the outside, it is directed through the particulate filtration medium to an outer annular passage in fluid communication with the carbon filtration medium. The air then flows radially inward and through the carbon filtration medium to the central outlet. The can accepts supplemental radial or axial flow filters, selected to block various contaminants encountered by the user (an example is toxic industrial material (TIM)) by quick connect mounting Has been. These filters block contaminants including droplets, solid and liquid aerosols, gases, and particulate matter.
[0010]
Further in accordance with the present invention, the gas mask assembly defines an inner chamber for filtered air and includes at least one inlet opening for passing filtered air from the atmosphere to the inner chamber. A can and a can that is removably attached to the face pad and includes a can in fluid communication with the at least one suction opening for passing purified air through the inner chamber of the face pad. The visor comprises a pair of spaced optical panels for the user to look out through the faceplate, with a hinge attached between the spaced optical panels, The optical panels can rotate relative to each other.
[0011]
[Description of Preferred Embodiment]
A gas mask and filter assembly 10 of the present invention is shown in the drawings beginning with FIG. The assembly 10 comprises a mask housing 12 that fits over the user's face and defines an inner chamber, and a plurality of filter cans 14,20. The housing 12 includes a pair of circular shapes including an inlet assembly and self-sealing mechanism 16 and a twist-and-lock connector 18 (details not shown) for securing the circular or oval filter can 14 to the mask housing 12. Alternatively, the oval can mount 13 is included.
[0012]
The housing 12 further includes a face pad 330 and a visor 332. In a preferred embodiment, the facepiece 330 provides a desired level of resistance to toxic drug penetration and can easily remove contaminants, such as a high butyl polymer or other polymer or polymer mixture such as butyl / Silicone material, and is composed of many sizes.
[0013]
The face rest 330 is comfortable for the user and is also injection molded in another co-molding process using a high-silicone polymer or other polymer or polymer blend that effectively seals the face. A face seal (not shown) is further included. In this concept, the outer material is selected to provide chemical resistance, decontamination, low curability, low flammability, mechanical strength and long-term durability. The sealing material is selected to provide a high level of comfort, low skin toxicity, high flexibility at low temperatures and the ability to closely match facial features. These materials will need to have reasonable bond strength. Conceptually, a polymer and a polymer, a polymer and a mixture, or a mixture and a mixture could be bonded as required.
[0014]
In another embodiment, the faceplate and seal can be constructed from the same polymer or polymer mixture in a single injection molding operation. The face seal includes a chin cup (not shown) that is at the periphery 334 bent inwardly of the face pad 330 and incorporated to be properly placed on the user's face. In another embodiment, faceplate 330 is made from only one type of elastomeric material, such as butyl rubber or a mixture of silicone and butyl rubber.
[0015]
The visor 332 is made of polyurethane, for example, and is configured to give the user maximum visibility and flexibility and a high degree of clarity. In the illustrated embodiment, the visor 332 includes an elastomeric central hinge 338, although the visor 332 can also be formed without a central hinge. The visor 332 should include ballistic protection means and be configured to accept outserts (not shown) for protection against sunlight and laser. The visor 332 can further include a scratch resistant surface.
[0016]
Panel 336 must have reasonable light transmission, haze and reflectivity and be resistant to the effects of exposure to chemical contaminants and decontaminants. The panel 336 should have reasonable performance against impacts and be resistant to other attacks, such as scratches or wear. In general, optical quality materials such as cast or injection molded polyurethane or polycarbonate are suitable for the visor panel 336.
[0017]
The hinge 338 should have sufficient tensile strength and be flexible enough to withstand repeated bending even at low temperatures (−32 ° C.). The hinge 338 material should adhere to the panel 336 material and should not cure during storage and should preferably be transparent. Polyurethane, styrene butadiene styrene, styrene ethylene butadiene styrene and certain vulcanized or thermoplastic materials are suitable hinge materials.
[0018]
The hinge 338 and the panel 336 can be joined together by chemical bonding in a two-part manufacturing process, or can be joined with an adhesive as a post-processing operation. The hinge 338 can be formed as a mechanical hinge, molded joint, living hinge, or by reducing the cross-sectional area of the material. The hinge 338 can be completely encased (see FIG. 17) or bonded together (see FIG. 18) or by welding techniques using laser, ultrasonic, infrared or radio frequency (RF) induction at the joint between materials. Can be formed.
[0019]
The housing 12 further comprises a main voicing module 342 that combines a voicing function, a drinking mechanism, and an outlet valve assembly. The shape of the main vocalization module is acoustically formed so that there is no need for the vocalization diaphragm. Inlet and outlet valves are interchangeable, reducing the number of unique spare parts required. The housing 12 is held on the user's face by a plurality of low profile harness straps 344 to eliminate a hot spot and define a flat forehead seal that fits comfortably in the helmet. By folding the harness strap 344 over the exterior of the housing 12, the user can quickly wear the mask 10. The inner chamber of the housing 12 is formed from a suitable material, such as silicone or polyisoprene, and includes a nasal cup (not shown) that is provided in many sizes to comfortably fit various users. Further comprising. The nose cup also acts as an air guide to clear the visor 332 from fogging.
[0020]
2-6, the inlet assembly and self-sealing suction mechanism 16 includes a raised peripheral wall 60, a central cavity 62 having a wall comprising a frustoconical valve seat 66, a central depending post 76 and a chamfer. A plug 64 having a curved surface 65, and a spring 28. The central cavity 62 continues to the lower portion of the central hub 70 and a plurality of radial spokes 72. The hub 70 is connected to the wall of the cavity 62 by spokes 72 and further includes a central recess 74 for receiving a depending post 76 of the valve plug 64. Post 76 is further received in spring 28, which is disposed between hub 70 and plug 64 and presses plug 64 against valve seat 66 away from hub 70. The hub 70 further includes a suspended post 82 for receiving the elastic suction valve 68. The valve 68 has a generally umbrella-like shape and includes an annular dome-shaped portion 80 and a peripheral edge 84.
[0021]
The inlet assembly 16 is received in an opening formed in the mask housing 12 and includes a peripheral passage 17 for sealingly receiving the edge of the mask housing 12 surrounding the opening.
[0022]
Referring now to FIG. 7, the filter can 14 comprises a stacked radial flow structure. The can 14 comprises a hollow segmented disk having opposing inlet and outlet surfaces 30, 32 joined by an annular outer wall 34. Opposing surfaces 30, 32 have central inlet and outlet openings 36, 38, respectively. The can 14 further includes a dividing wall 40 parallel to the opposing surfaces 30, 32, but the dividing wall 40 is formed adjacent to the inside of the annular outer wall 34 because the diameter is smaller than the annular outer wall 34. Except for the annular passage 42, the inlet and outlet openings 36, 38 are fluidly isolated. An inlet cavity 23 is formed between the dividing wall 40 and the inlet opening 36. The inlet cavity 23 is surrounded by an annular row of particulate filtration media, such as W-pleated fiberglass paper 44, which is between the inlet surface 30 of the cartridge 14 and the dividing wall 40. The space excluding the annular passage 42 is completely filled. The outlet cavity 24 is formed between the dividing wall 40 and the outlet opening 38, and is also an annular carbon filter that completely fills the space between the outlet surface 32 and the dividing wall 40 except for the annular passage 42. It is surrounded by 46. A protrusion 22 extends from the dividing wall 40 at a right angle to the center of the outlet cavity 24 and near the plane of the outlet face 32. Fiberglass paper 44 is a high-efficiency filtration media that removes aerosols, particulate matter and drops from contaminated air, disclosed here as W-pleated paper, but with pleated rosettes or Other particulate filtration media including electrostatically charged fibers in a pad structure are also contemplated. The carbon filter 46 is disclosed as a “cookie cutter” surface structure and is shown in the figure as a fixed adsorbent bed, although granular adsorbents and single or multi-layer adsorbents in a more cylindrical structure are also contemplated. The carbon filter 46 can also be considered as a charcoal adsorbent bed impregnated with a metal salt used for chemical interaction with gases that are not effectively adsorbed in the physical adsorption process, such as cyanogen chloride and hydrogen cyanide.
[0023]
The central outlet opening 38 of the outlet face 32 is bordered by a peripheral rim 39 having an inner diameter that closely approximates the outer diameter of the peripheral wall 60 of the inlet mechanism 16. The filter can 14 and the inlet mechanism 16 are structured to interlock with a twist-and-lock connection, as is well known to those skilled in the gas mask industry.
[0024]
As further shown in FIG. 7, mechanism 10 includes an additional filter 20 that can be used to filter out toxic industrial material (TIM). Filter 20 can be selected as a supplemental filter depending on the contaminant conditions, and filter 14 is effective in many hazardous environments without a supplemental filter. Filter 20 is disclosed as an axial flow filter, but radial flow filters are also contemplated. The filter 20 includes an outer case 47 that houses a second sorbent layer separated by a first particulate layer 48 and a permeable membrane 49. The filter 20 further includes an inlet surface 51 having a central inlet opening 52 and an outlet surface 53 having a central outlet opening 54. The inlet and outlet openings 52, 54 are fluidly connected through the first and second layers 48, 50 and the membrane 49. A second twist-and-lock connector (not shown) is used to attach the filter 20 to the filter 14 so that it can be released, and to the outlet opening 54 of the filter 20 and the inlet opening 36 of the filter can 14. Seal to prevent fluid from passing between them.
[0025]
When the filter can 14 is pulled toward the mask housing 12 by the twist-and-lock connector, the protrusion 22 engages the plug 64, overcomes the bias of the spring 28, and opens the seal between the plug 64 and the valve seat 66. . FIGS. 2-4 show the self-sealing mechanism 16 in the open position, where the can 14 is mounted on the inlet assembly 16 and the projection 22 resists the bias of the spring 28 with the plug 64. I'm under pressure. In FIG. 2, the user is exhaling as evidenced by the fact that the valve 68 is flush with the rear surface 78. Air flow A in FIG. 3 shows a low level of air flow from the cavity 24 through the inlet assembly 16 and then through the partially open intake valve 68, wherein the peripheral edge 84 is separated from the rear surface 78, Although air is flowing, the valve 68 still maintains its overall umbrella shape relative to the mechanism 16. FIG. 4 shows the subsequent state of the valve 68, at which time the opening pressure increased by the user reverses the valve 68, further separating the edge 84 from the rear surface 78, and a larger passage for air flow. Is given. The unique cross-section of the valve 68 reverses the valve under the expected opening pressure, providing a larger air passage, but maintaining the internal biasing force and reducing the user's intake airflow, The force returns the valve 68 to its original umbrella shape and seals against the rear face 78.
[0026]
FIG. 5 shows the mechanism 16 with the can 14 removed. The spring 28 urges the plug 64 away from the hub 70 and sealingly engages the valve seat 66. The spring 28 allows the can 14 to be easily attached, but maintains the plug 64 in sealing engagement with the valve seat 66 against any opening pressure generated by the user when the can 14 is removed. Choosing to be strong enough to prevent accidental inhalation of unfiltered air.
[0027]
The assembly 10 can function by attaching the can 14 alone to the can mount 13 and opening the self-sealing mechanism 16, but still supplements the can 14 with a filter 20 in hazardous field situations. The air flow A through the combined filter assembly of the can 14 and filter 20 is shown in FIG. 7, where contaminated air enters the filter 20 through the inlet opening 52 and axially the layers 48, 50 and membrane. 49, exits through the outlet opening 54 and enters the corresponding central inlet opening 36 of the can 14. The air in the inlet opening 36 then passes radially outward through the fiberglass paper 44, flows into the annular passage 42, flows down in the annular passage 42, outside the carbon filter 46, and radially. Inward, it passes through the carbon filter 46, flows into the cavity 24, and exits the filter 14 through the central outlet opening 38.
[0028]
Stacked radially flowing filters provide a larger surface area through which intake air can flow compared to the overall size of the filter. The increased surface area of the particulate and wood carbon particles results in increased protection while reducing resistance to air flow in the smallest possible enclosed space. This concept is preferred over current designs of military axial flow filters. Stacked radial flow filters have the advantage of being able to accommodate can mount protrusions and inlet assemblies in accordance with the present invention, while maintaining a small enclosed space for the mask and filter assemblies. However, this concept is not only applicable to radial flow filters, but also to other types of filter cans, including axial flow filters, and other types of connections, including bayonet and screw-on attachments. And such uses are also intended.
[0029]
8-12, a second embodiment of the self-sealing valve 100 comprises a valve body 110, an elastic self-sealing diaphragm 150, and an elastic suction diaphragm 170. Although only half of the self-sealing valve 100 is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the opposite side is a mirror image of the half shown in these figures. The self-sealing valve 100 has an outer surface 102 and an inner surface 104, with the inner surface 104 facing the inner chamber of the gas mask 12.
[0030]
The self-sealing diaphragm 150 is disposed on the outer surface of the valve body 110 and is mounted on the support column 112. The suction diaphragm 170 is disposed on the inner surface of the valve body 110 and is attached on the support column 114.
[0031]
The valve body 110 includes an annular passage 116 having a bottom surface 118, an outer wall 120, and an inner wall 122. The valve body 110 further includes an annular portion 124 that projects outwardly from the upper end of the passage outer wall 120. The upper end of the passage outer wall 120 includes an annular chamfered portion 126 at the upper end 138. The valve body 110 has a hub 128 on its inner portion, the hub 128 comprising a flat portion 130, struts 112, 114, and an upstanding annular rib 132 between the hub 128 and the inner wall 122. The rib 132 includes an upper annular surface 134. The flat portion 130 further comprises a number of vacuum holes 136 passing therethrough. The ribs 132 are connected to the upper end 138 of the inner wall 122 of the passage 116 by a plurality of spokes 140 and define a number of open passages 142 therebetween. The inner wall 122 further comprises a sealing surface 144 at the upper end 138.
[0032]
The self-sealing diaphragm 150 includes a substantially cylindrical central portion 152 and an umbrella-shaped outer portion 156 formed integrally with the central portion 152. Central portion 152 includes a cavity 154 for receiving strut 112 and attaching diaphragm 150 to hub 128. The outer portion 156 includes a convex hinge portion 158 located between the central portion 152 and the radially inner side of the rib 132. Outer portion 156 includes an annular skirt 160 having an outer edge 162 for cooperating with sealing surface 144 to form a seal. Skirt 160 is further positioned to contact or be in close proximity to upper tip 134 of rib 132.
[0033]
The diaphragm 150 and the hub 128 define a cavity 164 between them that is fluidly connected to the vacuum hole 136.
[0034]
Inhalation diaphragm 170 includes a substantially cylindrical central portion 172 and an outer portion 176. The central portion 172 includes a cavity 174 for receiving the strut 114 and connecting the inhalation diaphragm 170 to the hub 128. Outer portion 176 includes a convex hinge 178 and a skirt 180. Skirt 180 includes an outer portion 182 disposed to form a seal with upper end 138 of inner wall 122.
[0035]
The filter can 200 comprises an annular lower surface 202 that includes an interface 210 for fluidly and sealingly connecting the filter element of the filter can 200 to the self-sealing valve 100. The interface 210 comprises a first depending annular rib 220 and a central hub 240. The lower side 202 includes an annular chamfered portion 204 that connects the outer surface 222 of the rib 220 with the lower side 202.
[0036]
Rib 220 includes an outer surface 222, an inner surface 224 and a distal end 226. An annular elastic seal 228 houses the end 226 of the rib 220. The elastic sealing portion 228 is made of, for example, an elastomeric material, and includes protrusions 230 that protrude radially outward from the sealing portion 228.
[0037]
The hub 240 is connected to the chamfered portion 204 by a plurality of spokes 206 and is located at the center of the annular rib 220. An air passage 208 is defined between the spokes 206 and between the outer edge 242 of the hub 240 and the chamfered portion 204. The air passage is in communication with the filter medium in the filter can 200.
[0038]
The hub 240 is substantially in the form of a disk 244 having an annular lip 246 depending on the outer edge 242. Hub 240 further comprises a suspended annular rib 248 having a tip 250. The annular rib 248 defines a cavity 252 that is fluidly connected to the inside of the filtration can 200 through the vacuum passage 254. A shallow cavity 260 is defined between the lip 246 and the rib 248 and is fluidly connected to the inside of the filtration can 200 through the vacuum hole 262.
[0039]
In the arrangement shown in FIG. 8, the filtration can 200 has been removed from the self-sealing valve assembly 100 and the self-sealing diaphragm 150 or inhalation diaphragm can be used regardless of whether gas is allowed to pass through the self-sealing valve assembly 100 in either direction. It is always blocked by 170. When installed on the gas mask 12, inhalation by the wearer of the gas mask 12 may move the inhalation diaphragm 170, but only attracts the self-sealing diaphragm 150 to more closely contact the valve body 110, Inhalation of outside air is blocked. Exhalation by the wearer of the gas mask 12 also presses the inhalation diaphragm 170 in close contact with the valve body 110 to prevent the passage of air.
[0040]
Referring to FIG. 9, when the filter can 200 is connected to the self-sealing valve assembly 100, the interface 210 is inserted into the valve body 110, the self-sealing diaphragm 150 moves from the sealing surface 144, and the self-sealing valve is open.
[0041]
When the filter can interface 210 is placed over the self-sealing valve assembly 100, the first portion of the interface 210 that contacts the valve assembly 100 is the protrusion 230 of the seal 228. When the protrusion 230 contacts the outer wall 120 of the passage 116, an effective seal is formed between the interface 210 and the valve body 110 so that the self-sealing diaphragm 150 is fluidly isolated from the outside air. This fluidic isolation is complete when the resilient seal 228 contacts the bottom surface 118 of the passage 116.
[0042]
The filter can 200 is lowered from above the self-sealing valve assembly 100 until the chamfered portion 204 of the filter can 200 hits the chamfer 126 of the valve body 110. During this lowering, the tip 250 of the rib 248 of the filter interface 210 contacts the convex hinge 158 of the self-sealing diaphragm 150. As the filter can 200 is further lowered, the rib 248 depresses the convex hinge 158 of the diaphragm 150, causing the skirt portion 160 of the diaphragm 150 to pivot about the upper tip 134 of the rib 132, thereby sealing the outer edge 162 to the sealing surface. Lift away from 144.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 9, with the filter can interface 210 fully inserted into the self-sealing valve assembly 100, the outer edge 162 of the self-sealing diaphragm 150 is away from the sealing surface 144 and behind the lip 246. It is lifted into the cavity 260. The convex hinge 158 of the self-sealing diaphragm 150 is pushed into the cavity 164. During this process, the air confined in the cavity 164 was released through the decompression hole 136, and the air confined in the cavity 260 was released through the decompression hole 262 and was confined in the cavity 252. Air is discharged through the decompression passage 254.
[0044]
With the outer edge 162 of the self-sealing diaphragm 150 away from the sealing surface 144 and behind the lip 246, the air passages 208, 142 are in fluid communication and unobstructed. FIG. 9 shows the valve assembly 100 when the mask wearer is not inhaling, and there is no air flow through the filter can 200 and through the self-sealing valve assembly 100.
[0045]
With reference to FIG. 10, the inhalation diaphragm 170 is exposed to a negative differential pressure in the inner chamber of the mask 12, for example, when the mask wearer inhales, and the inhalation diaphragm 170 bends about the hinge 178. The sealing relationship with the upper end 138 is separated. In this way, as shown by the arrow, a fluid passage is opened from the filter can 200 through the air passages 208 and 142 to the inner chamber of the mask.
[0046]
The lip 246 provides a shielding function for the upper end 138 of the self-sealing diaphragm and allows air to flow through the passage 208. Thus, air flows around the lip 246 and does not trap the upper end 138 of the self-sealing diaphragm, thus leaving the valve closed. Thus, the upper end 138 is located outside the air flow path through the passage 208.
[0047]
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the filter can 14 has a number of rugs with inwardly protruding flanges 266 that are oval in shape and spaced radially about the vacuum passageway 254. Have. The valve body 110 is circular and has cuts 268 that are spaced apart on the outer periphery. The valve body 110 has a ramp 270 adjacent to each notch 268. The outer periphery of the valve body has a shape that fits within the outer wall 276 of the filter can 14. When the can is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the face mask and the can is pulled tightly against the face mask can mount 13, a notch 268 is received in the lag 264 and the protruding flange 266 is below the ramp 270. It is supposed to skid. A clip 280 is resiliently attached to the can 14 through an integral flange 278 to provide a grip when the user attaches and removes the can from the face mask can mount. A cutout 272 for a slide lock (not shown) fixed to the radial groove 274 is further provided on the outer peripheral portion of the valve body 110.
[0048]
A third embodiment of the self-sealing mechanism 400 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. The mechanism 400 comprises a raised peripheral wall 420 that has an inwardly protruding lip 416 defining a central cavity 402 that is below the central hub 404 parallel to the lip 416. It continues to the side part. Hub 404 and annular ring 418 are centrally located in cavity 402 by a plurality of radial spokes 424 connecting hub 404 and ring 418 to lip 416, with spokes 424 having a plurality of radial openings therebetween. 426 is further defined. The annular pivot 418 comprises an annular upright pivot rim 419 that is perpendicular to the ring 418. Hub 404 further comprises opposing struts 406, 408 for receiving conical seal 410 and resilient suction valve 428, respectively, perpendicular to the plane defined as the bottom of cavity 402. Valve 428 is substantially described as valve 68 in FIGS.
[0049]
Seal 410 includes a conical skirt portion 414 having a central portion 411, an annular concave hinge portion 412, and a peripheral edge 415. Since the diameter of the hinge portion 412 is smaller than the diameter of the pivot ring 418, the hinge portion 412 is located in the pivot ring 418 when the seal 410 is mounted on the column 406 in the center of the cavity 402, and the skirt Portion 414 overlies pivot ring 418. Further, the edge portion 415 hits the lip 416 in a state of being in a sealing engagement, and is held in a predetermined position by the elasticity of the material of the sealing portion 410.
[0050]
Self-sealing mechanism 400 comprises a sealed opening, as described above, and is blocked by valve 428 if a user attempts to exhale through mechanism 400. The mechanism 400 is sealed against the user attempting to inhale because any suction sucked into the mask attracts the skirt 414 inward, thereby strengthening the seal between the edge 415 and the lip 416.
[0051]
The mechanism 400 is used in conjunction with a filter having a complementary structure comprising a protruding annular rim 422 having a diameter that substantially matches the diameter of the hinge portion 412. The rim 422 has a structure that descends when the filter is fixed to the mechanism 400 and aligns with the hinge portion 412. As the rim 422 is lowered, the rim compresses the hinge portion 412 and presses the conical skirt portion 414 against the upright annular pivot rim 419. The conical skirt portion 414 rotates about the rim 419 and raises the peripheral edge 415 upwards, pulling the contact with the lip 416 away, thereby exposing the radial opening 426. The user can now inhale by overcoming the opening pressure of valve 428.
[0052]
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of example and not limitation. Reasonable variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the above description and drawings without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a gas mask and filter assembly of the present invention.
2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the gas mask and filter assembly of FIG. 1 with the filter can attached to the inlet assembly on the gas mask at each stage where the suction cycle proceeds.
3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the gas mask and filter assembly of FIG. 1 with the filter can attached to the inlet assembly on the gas mask at each stage where the suction cycle proceeds.
4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the gas mask and filter assembly of FIG. 1 with the filter can attached to the inlet assembly on the gas mask at each stage where the suction cycle proceeds.
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the gas mask and filter assembly of FIGS. 1-4 with the can of FIG. 2 removed from the inlet assembly.
6 is a cross-sectional view taken through line 6-6 of FIG.
7 is an exploded perspective view of the filter assembly used in the gas mask of FIGS.
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the inlet assembly, with the self-sealing valve and filter can in spaced relation from the can mount.
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8 with a filter can attached.
FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 9 during the inhalation stage of the mask operation.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the self-sealing mechanism of FIGS. 8 and 9 with the self-sealing diaphragm removed for clarity.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the filter can interface of the embodiment shown in FIGS.
FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an inlet assembly in which the self-sealing valve and filter can are in spaced relation from the can mount.
14 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where a filter can is attached, similar to FIG.
15 is a partial cross-sectional view taken through line 15-15 in FIG. 14;
16 is a partial cross-sectional view taken through line 16-16 in FIG. 13;
FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of a visor hinge formed by fully enveloping.
FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of a visor hinge formed by bonding.

Claims (12)

Including an inner chamber for filtered air, including at least one air passage for passing filtered air from the atmosphere to the inner chamber, and a valve seat formed around an outer surface of the air passage Face rest,
An elastomeric diaphragm forming a self-sealing valve and attached to at least one air passage , the diaphragm having a skirt with a sealing surface, the sealing surface being biased against the valve seat in a sealing position; sealing the at least one air passage, to prevent intake of air through the air passage, the skirt is movable to an open position away from the valve seat for the passage of air through at least one air passage,
A filtration can that is removably attached to the face pad and is in fluid communication with at least one air passage when the self-sealing valve is open, and allows purified atmospheric air to pass through the inner chamber of the face pad; The can includes a rib to open a self-sealing valve when the filter can is attached to the faceplate,
A gas mask assembly comprising: the sealing surface of the elastomeric diaphragm moves between a sealed position and an open position when the hinge portion of the elastomeric diaphragm moves toward the at least one air passage. It can, fitted with a filtration canister to the face abutting, thereby opening the at least one air passage, when inhaling air through the air passage, so as to move toward at least one air passage hinge section of the membrane, the filtration A gas mask assembly having a can rib attached thereto. The gas mask assembly of claim 1, wherein the hinge portion and the skirt move in opposite directions between the sealed position and the open position when the hinge portion of the diaphragm moves toward the at least one air passage. A gas mask assembly characterized by being able to. 3. A gas mask assembly according to claim 2, wherein the rib of the filter can acts on the hinge when the can is attached to the can mount, and the skirt is pivoted away from the sealing surface. Gas mask assembly.   2. The gas mask assembly according to claim 1, wherein an outer valve seat is formed on an outer surface with respect to the inner chamber of the face pad.   2. The gas mask assembly of claim 1, wherein the faceplate further comprises a filter can mount, wherein the filter can is removably attached to the faceplate through the filter can mount, and the outer valve seat is on the filter can mount. A gas mask assembly which is formed. 6. The gas mask assembly according to claim 5, wherein the filter can mount has an opening in communication with at least one air passage .   7. A gas mask assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the filter can mount includes a connecting element for attaching the filter can so as to be removable by a twist-and-lock connection. Solid.   7. A gas mask assembly according to claim 6, wherein the elastomeric diaphragm has a central portion, through which the elastomeric diaphragm is attached to the filter can mount, the filter can mount comprising the outer valve seat and the elastomeric diaphragm. The upright rib has a shape which acts as a fulcrum for removing the sealing surface of the elastomeric diaphragm from the outer valve seat when the filter can is attached to the filter mount. Gas mask assembly.   The gas mask assembly according to claim 8, wherein the upstanding rib has an annular shape. 10. A gas mask assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a hinge portion of the diaphragm is located between a central portion of the diaphragm and an upstanding rib.   2. The gas mask assembly according to claim 1, wherein the structure of the outer valve seat is annular, and the structure of the sealing surface of the elastomeric diaphragm is annular. A gas mask assembly of claim 1, is inside the face abutting, further comprising a suction valve mounted inside valve seat, and at least one air passage surrounding at least one air passage The suction valve has a sealing portion adapted to seal against the inner valve seat when there is no negative differential pressure between the inner chamber and the atmosphere, and the suction valve further has a negative pressure between the inner chamber and the atmosphere. A gas mask assembly, wherein the gas mask assembly is configured to be detached from the inner valve seat when there is a differential pressure of.

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